Al Hilal consistently aims to compete at the highest levels, both domestically in the Saudi Pro League and in continental competitions like the AFC Champions League. Their player roster is a crucial element of their success, blending experienced veterans with promising young talents and high-profile international signings.
The Current Squad: Key Players and Positions
To understand the composition of the Al Hilal squad in the 2024-2025 season, let’s break it down by position, highlighting some of the key players who would likely be part of the team as of May 2025. Please note that specific squad lists can change due to transfers, loans, and player development, so this overview is based on the general composition and expectations for a club of Al Hilal’s stature.
Goalkeepers: The goalkeeper position is fundamental to any successful team. Al Hilal typically boasts reliable and experienced goalkeepers.
Likely Key Player: Abdullah Al-Mayouf. A seasoned Saudi international, Al-Mayouf has been a mainstay for Al Hilal for many years, providing experience and stability between the posts. His shot-stopping ability and command of the area are invaluable.
Other Potential Players: Mohammed Al-Owais (another Saudi international known for his athleticism), and possibly a younger, up-and-coming goalkeeper gaining experience.
Defenders: A solid defensive line is crucial for Al Hilal’s ambitions. They usually field a mix of central defenders, full-backs (both left and right), who contribute both defensively and offensively.
Central Defenders:
Likely Key Player: Kalidou Koulibaly. A high-profile international signing in recent years, Koulibaly brings immense experience and quality to the Al Hilal defense. His strength, aerial ability, and tactical awareness make him a cornerstone.
Likely Key Player: Ali Al-Bulaihi. A combative and experienced Saudi international, Al-Bulaihi is known for his passion and commitment in the heart of the defense.
Other Potential Players: Jang Hyun-soo (a reliable South Korean international), Mohammed Jahfali (a long-serving Saudi defender), and possibly a younger defender breaking into the first team.
Left-Backs:
Likely Key Player: Yasser Al-Shahrani. An attacking full-back and a key player for both Al Hilal and the Saudi national team. Al-Shahrani is known for his pace, crossing ability, and defensive work rate.
Other Potential Players: Nasser Al-Dawsari (who can also play in midfield but has featured at left-back).
Right-Backs:
Likely Key Player: Mohammed Al-Breik. Another experienced and vital player for Al Hilal, Al-Breik is known for his attacking prowess and accurate crosses from the right flank.
Other Potential Players: Saud Abdulhamid, a younger talent with potential to grow into a key role.
Midfielders: Al Hilal’s midfield is often the engine room of the team, providing creativity, ball control, and defensive support.
Defensive Midfielders:
Likely Key Player: Rúben Neves. A significant international signing, Neves brings Premier League experience and exceptional passing range, tackling ability, and tactical intelligence to the Al Hilal midfield.
Likely Key Player: Mohamed Kanno. A hardworking and technically sound Saudi international, Kanno is crucial for breaking up play and distributing the ball.
Other Potential Players: Abdulellah Al-Malki (known for his physicality), and possibly a younger player developing in this role.
Central/Attacking Midfielders:
Likely Key Player: Sergej Milinković-Savić. Another high-profile international, Milinković-Savić is a powerful and creative midfielder with an eye for goal. His aerial presence and ability to drive forward are significant assets.
Likely Key Player: Salem Al-Dawsari. One of Saudi Arabia’s most talented players, Al-Dawsari is a dynamic winger who can also operate in a more central attacking midfield role. His dribbling skills and goal-scoring ability are vital.
Other Potential Players: Nasser Al-Dawsari (versatile midfielder), Abdullah Otayf (experienced midfielder known for his passing), and potentially a young, creative midfielder emerging.
Forwards: Al Hilal’s attack is usually potent, featuring goal-scorers and players who can create opportunities.
Wingers:
Likely Key Player: Neymar Jr. One of the most famous footballers globally, Neymar’s arrival at Al Hilal brought immense attention and attacking quality. His dribbling, creativity, and goal-scoring are world-class, assuming he is still with the club and fit as of May 2025.
Likely Key Player: Michael. A Brazilian winger known for his pace and direct running, Michael provides another dimension to Al Hilal’s attack.
Other Potential Players: Andre Carrillo (a Peruvian international with pace and skill).
Strikers/Center-Forwards:
Likely Key Player: Aleksandar Mitrović. A powerful and prolific Serbian international striker, Mitrović is known for his aerial ability, hold-up play, and goal-scoring prowess.
Other Potential Players: Abdullah Al-Hamdan (a Saudi forward with potential).
Please Note: This is a likely composition based on Al Hilal’s recent transfer activity and squad structure. The actual squad in May 2025 could have variations due to new signings, departures, injuries, and player development.
In-Depth Look at Some Potential Key Players (as of May 2025)
Let’s delve deeper into some of the players who are likely to be considered key for Al Hilal in the 2024-2025 season, expanding on their roles and potential impact:
Neymar Jr. (Winger): Assuming he is still with Al Hilal and fit, Neymar is a game-changer. His exceptional dribbling skills, ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and others, and his global star power make him a focal point of the attack. His presence not only elevates the team’s quality but also brings significant attention to the Saudi Pro League. Fans would be eager to see his highlights, hear his interviews, and follow his performances. Questions about his fitness and consistency would also be common.
Kalidou Koulibaly (Central Defender): Koulibaly’s experience at the highest levels of European football brings a sense of solidity and leadership to the Al Hilal defense. His physical presence, aerial dominance in both penalty boxes, and his ability to play out from the back are crucial for Al Hilal’s defensive structure and attacking transitions. Fans would be interested in his defensive contributions, his partnership with other defenders, and his leadership qualities.
Rúben Neves (Defensive Midfielder): Neves dictates the tempo of Al Hilal’s play from midfield. His exceptional passing range can unlock defenses, and his tackling and positional awareness provide crucial protection to the backline. His ability to score from long range is an added threat. Fans would be looking at his passing accuracy, his defensive contributions, and his overall influence on the team’s midfield control.
Sergej Milinković-Savić (Central/Attacking Midfielder): Milinković-Savić offers a unique blend of physicality and technical ability in midfield. His powerful runs, aerial prowess in attacking situations, and his eye for goal make him a dangerous player in the final third. Fans would be keen to see his goals and assists, his link-up play with the forwards, and his overall impact on Al Hilal’s attacking output.
Salem Al-Dawsari (Winger/Attacking Midfielder): A homegrown talent and a hero for Saudi Arabia after his winning goal against Argentina in the 2022 World Cup, Al-Dawsari is a dynamic and skillful player. His dribbling ability, pace, and knack for scoring important goals make him a fan favorite. Fans would be interested in his contributions in big matches, his individual brilliance, and his role as a leading Saudi player in the team.
Aleksandar Mitrović (Striker): Mitrović provides a focal point to Al Hilal’s attack. His physical presence, ability to hold up the ball, and clinical finishing make him a consistent goal threat. His aerial ability is particularly dangerous from crosses and set-pieces. Fans would be tracking his goal-scoring record, his contributions in link-up play, and his overall effectiveness as the team’s main striker.
Yasser Al-Shahrani and Mohammed Al-Breik (Full-Backs): These two experienced full-backs provide width and attacking impetus from the flanks. Their ability to deliver accurate crosses into the box and their defensive work rate are vital for Al Hilal’s tactical setup. Fans would be interested in their assist numbers, their defensive contributions, and their overall energy on the wings.
The Importance of the Blend: Domestic and International Talent
Al Hilal’s success is often attributed to their ability to blend top international signings with talented Saudi Arabian players. The international players bring experience from top leagues around the world and often possess world-class quality. The Saudi players provide a strong domestic core, understanding the local football culture and often having a deep connection with the club and its fans. This synergy is crucial for team chemistry and long-term success.
Fans often discuss the balance between foreign and domestic players, the impact of the international signings on the development of Saudi talent, and the importance of having a strong local core for national team representation.
FAQs
Who are the top scorers for Al Hilal this season?
As of May 2025, the leading goal scorers for Al Hilal are:
Marcos Leonardo – 25 goals
Aleksandar Mitrović – 24 goals
Salem Al-Dawsari – 24 goals
Sergej Milinković-Savić – 15 goals
Malcom – 13 goals
These players have been instrumental in Al Hilal’s campaigns across the Saudi Pro League, AFC Champions League Elite, and other competitions.
Which players have provided the most assists?
The top assist providers for Al Hilal this season include:
Salem Al-Dawsari – 15 assists
Malcom – 14 assists
João Cancelo – 11 assists
Rúben Neves – 9 assists
Renan Lodi – 8 assists
These players have been pivotal in creating goal-scoring opportunities for the team.
Who is Al Hilal’s current head coach?
As of the 2024–25 season, Mohammad Al-Shalhoub is serving as the caretaker head coach of Al Hilal.
What are the recent major transfers for Al Hilal?
Al Hilal has been active in the transfer market. Notable recent signings include:
João Cancelo (from Manchester City)
Moteb Al-Harbi (from Al-Shabab)
Marcos Leonardo (from Benfica)
Kaio César (from Vitória Guimarães)
Departures include Neymar, who returned to Santos after an injury-plagued stint with Al Hilal.
Is Al Hilal targeting any new high-profile players?
Yes, Al Hilal has shown interest in several high-profile players:
Rodrygo (Real Madrid): Al Hilal is reportedly interested in signing Rodrygo as a marquee player.
Victor Osimhen (Napoli): The club is also eyeing Osimhen as a potential addition to bolster their attacking options.
However, these transfers are speculative and depend on various factors, including player interest and club negotiations.
What is the current squad composition of Al Hilal?
Al Hilal’s squad for the 2024–25 season includes a mix of experienced internationals and emerging talents. Key players across positions are:
Goalkeepers: Yassine Bounou, Mohammed Al-Owais
Defenders: João Cancelo, Kalidou Koulibaly, Renan Lodi
Midfielders: Rúben Neves, Sergej Milinković-Savić, Salem Al-Dawsari
Forwards: Marcos Leonardo, Aleksandar Mitrović, Malcom
The team has been strengthened with strategic signings to compete at both domestic and international levels.
How has Al Hilal performed in the 2024–25 season?
Al Hilal has had a competitive season:
Saudi Pro League: Finished 2nd
King’s Cup: Reached Quarter-finals
AFC Champions League Elite: Reached Semi-finals
Super Cup: Winners
FIFA Club World Cup: Exited at Group stage
The team’s performance reflects a strong domestic presence and a competitive edge in continental tournaments.
Who are the emerging young talents in Al Hilal?
Al Hilal has been focusing on integrating young talents into the squad. Notable young players include:
Kaio César: A promising forward signed from Vitória Guimarães.
Khalid Al-Ghannam: On loan from Al-Ettifaq FC, he has shown potential in the midfield.
These players represent the club’s commitment to nurturing future stars.
What is the club’s strategy regarding player signings?
Al Hilal, along with other Saudi Pro League clubs, has shifted focus from signing aging megastars to recruiting younger, promising talents. This strategy aims to build a sustainable team with potential for future success and profitability.
Where can I watch Al Hilal matches and player highlights?
Al Hilal matches are broadcasted on various sports networks covering the Saudi Pro League. Additionally, highlights and player performances are available on the club’s official YouTube channel and social media platforms.
To conclude
Al Hilal SFC continues to be a dominant force in Saudi and Asian football, combining experienced international players with emerging local talents. The club’s strategic approach to player signings and development reflects its ambition to achieve sustained success domestically and internationally.
With a strong squad, proactive management, and a clear vision for the future, Al Hilal is poised to maintain its status as a football powerhouse in the region.
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